Change F2 key behavior to view unit hooked on F10 map

[andyn]

One of the most common use cases for function keys is to go to the F10 map, select a unit or weapon and press another function key to go to view that selected unit in external view. This requires you to:

- Know the type of the unit you just clicked
- Know the function key for the external view of said unit type
- Be able to press that function key or key combination in, say, VR.

 

My suggestion is to change the default behavior of the F2 key as follows:

- If the F1 view of a player aircraft or a combined arms unit is currently selected, view the player unit in external view.
- If the F10 map is open and no unit has been hooked, view the player unit in external view.
- If the F10 map is open and a unit has been hooked, view that unit in external view.
- If an external view is open, cycle between external views of units of that type.

This will follow the principle of least surprise, which should be one of the primary UX design guidelines.

[Exorcet]

As the current functionality is fine with me, I'd find a change to be disruptive. If this is made optional however, fine.

[andyn]

10 hours ago, Exorcet said:

As the current functionality is fine with me, I'd find a change to be disruptive. If this is made optional however, fine.

Out of interest, what is the disruptive use case here?

[Exorcet]

This would be changing established controls. Currently the F2 is aircraft external, with the proposed changes I'd need to remember to press F1 before F2 or to hunt down a plane on the F10 map before pressing F2 to make sure I'd enable aircraft view.

The current controls are separated by unit type (F2, F7, F9, F12) which is perfectly reasonable for me. In particular F2 being directly tied to aircraft is useful as it provides a quick glance at wingmen.

Perhaps an alternative that won't incontinence those using the existing controls would be to add a button to the F10 map "view this unit". Not only does this not force a controls change, but since it would be GUI based it would solve the issue of VR users needing to look for a key, as the button would be visible on the F10 map for them.

[Platime]

I understand and mostly like the original idea, but like @Exorcet, I wouldn't like established controls changed either. Creating a new hotkey row to options/configuration would do the trick. Then everyone could bind it however they want.